The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Kenneth D. McConnell (ASN: US-55077327), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 September 1951 in the vicinity of Kach’il-bong, Korea. On this date, during an assault on well prepared and defended enemy positions on dominating terrain features, Sergeant McConnell provided supporting fire for the advancing units with his machine gun. Noticing that the fire was ineffective from his position, Sergeant McConnell, braving the intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and grenade fire, moved his weapon to the foremost elements of the unit. After the objective had been secured he assisted in defending the strategic terrain feature against numerous enemy counterattacks, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant McConnell on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.